diff --git a/contracts/ownership/Inheritable.sol b/contracts/ownership/Inheritable.sol
index be28e000f..cce710d1f 100644
--- a/contracts/ownership/Inheritable.sol
+++ b/contracts/ownership/Inheritable.sol
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ contract Inheritable is Ownable {
   }
 
   function setHeir(address newHeir) public onlyOwner {
+    require(newHeir != owner);
     heartbeat();
     HeirChanged(owner, newHeir);
     heir = newHeir;